Mowing State Rules 4 Mowing Slopes...Anyone?

[RBManufacturing]

Trailertrash,
You are very correct. 3 to 1 slope is used by most states as a
guideline for mowing tractors. All but one state that we sell
to uses a 3 to 1 guideline. However, we sell a version to one
state that uses 2 1/2 to one as their guideline for some
SPECIALLY equipped tractors. They use wheel weights, filled
tires, and frame weights, and the wheels are set out at their
furthest limit.
By the way, I have done a little un-scientific research on roll-
overs. Seems right handed people are more comfortable on
slopes when the right side of the tractor is down hill, and less
comfortable on the same slope when the left side is down
hill. Some people I questioned did not have a preference.
The same is true for left handed people. Left side down was
more comfortable. Could this mean some people have two
pucker factors ????? Which cheek is correct ??? Rick

 

[Anonymous Poster]

Hi,

Thanks for all the good input to my question!

Rick observed:

<font color=blue>By the way, I have done a little un-scientific research on roll-overs. Seems right handed people are more comfortable on slopes when the right side of the tractor is down hill, and less comfortable on the same slope when the left side is down hill.</font color=blue>

I think that is reasonable...probably the way I feel too...guess the dominant arm being on the down-hill side gives one a secure feeling /w3tcompact/icons/smile.gif.

I got to thinking about what I thought I saw the other day with that road maintenance tractor mowing that side slope, after reading the numbers posted above...so I drew a line representing what I remember seeing on a sheet of paper. Measured the angle and it is a rise/run ratio of 1:1.5. That calculates out to about 34 degrees. I am not saying that was the actual angle, just a measure of about what I remember seeing.

I drew other lines representing 1:3, 1:2.5 and 1:2 on the same sheet for reference. There is no doubt in my mind at all that the guy I saw was exceeding the 1:2 angle [ which is 26.5 degrees]. By how much? Who knows? Sometimes we do not always see the reality of the situation.

I wish it were less than 50 minutes drive from here to that spot! I would be tempted to go back and make a measurement of the slope to satisfy my own curiosity.

I DO KNOW that 1 foot rise in 2.5 feet is about the steepest slope on my property, and that is steeper than I want to go across on my Kubota. I did cross it on my little garden tractor, but that is Lemons vs oranges. I was uncomfortable even then, on a tractor that I could keep from rolling over by putting my foot on the ground [probably].

Thanks for all the input! VERY meaningful...

Bill in Pgh, PA

 

[RBManufacturing]

Hi Bill,
I have a proposition for ya.
What would it cost me for you to go back to that highway
sight, and check the degree of slope ??? I would pay your
gas, and a little for your time. Very curious what it measures.
How about a picture to post? Then we ask TBN members to
guess the degree of slope. No cheating guys. Don't measure
the slope in the picture. Just guess. If interested, please
let me know. I'll be more than happy to pay for the adventure.
Thanks, Rick

 

[Anonymous Poster]

Hi Rick and everyone...

Rick, you're giving me a reason to drive back to the Tractor Supply Store again! No, not for an offer of free gas...just because I am interested too! I wouldn't take anyone's money to do it...

I don't travel that section of I70 frequently, so I wonder if I would find the spot again for sure when the tractor is not on it /w3tcompact/icons/smile.gif. I bet I could though, cause that image is burned in my head. I think I mentioned that what struck me was not only the angle of the tractor, but the fact that he was so close to the raod that had he tipped over, his roll bar would have been out in the traffic lane. I moved over into the right lane as I passed, I was that uncomfortable with what I was seeing.

Maybe because he was down close to the level he was more comfortable at a steep angle. Had he tipped over, the tractor would have just layed on its side, I think. It wasn't like he was high up, where he would have rolled over and over again down the slope if something bad happened.

I will take my digital camera with me on the next trip...maybe go down next time the sun is shining and the sky is blue...doesn't take much to get the gas pedal pointin' at the tractor supply store!

Bill...in Pgh, PA

 

[RBManufacturing]

Thanks Bill,
Rick

 

[Anonymous Poster]

I mow on sidehills regularly with JD4700 plus 84" rear finish mower. R-4's which don't work as good as R-1's to prevent sliding, which happens regularly.
I don't think tiltmeters are that helpful. Whenever I got a scare of tipping, it was caused by running the uphill tires over a hidden bump, such as an anthill, stump, log, etc. This unexpected increase in the angle isn't going to be avoided by the tiltmeter, which could actually give you a degree of false confidence.
jim

 

[RBManufacturing]

Hi Jimpaulus,
Most tractors are designed using certain standards. One being
the A.N.S.I standard concerning roll-overs. In part, it states
that a tractor should not lift any wheel of the ground when
tested on a platform that tilts to 20 degrees. The tractor has no implements
attached, etc. It is also sitting still, not traveling. Such things
as front loader raised, can decrease this limit. Things like
filled tires, frame weights etc. can sometimes increase this
limit. The instructions that come with every tiltmeter states
that we recommend the tractor be operated at no more than
15 degrees to compensate for ruts, stumps etc. The meter has
numbers painted in yellow at 15 degrees to show you have
reached the caution point. Millions of dollars have gone
into safety research by State highway depts. Farm Bureau
Insurance Companies, And equip. manufacturers. Most tend
to agree that a tiltmeter has it's merits. I sell to many of them.
I spent years operating tractors on slopes when I worked for
the Highway dept. I still glance at my meter when I use my
tractor at home. Also, my wife occasionally uses my tractor
as well as my brother. I have even loaned it to the mayor
of our fair city. I fell better telling them to use the meter,
and not go over 15 degrees, rather than tell them go until
you feel the pucker kick in. Just my 2 cents worth. Thanks,
Rick

 

[Anonymous Poster]

Hi,

I posted some photos in a new thread in this same forum titled "I failed in my mission! "

click here if interested</font color=blue>.

The subject line of that post does not really relate to this one at first glance...so I figured I'd post a note in this thread.

Bill...in Pgh, PA